How to Take Ownership of Files and Folders in Windows

by David ewansiha

If you’ve ever been denied access to a file or folder in Windows, chances are you need to take ownership of them with your user account. Here’s how.

1. Right-click the object and choose “Properties.”
2. In the Properties window, on the “Security” tab, click “Advanced.”
3. Next to the listed Owner, click the “Change” link.
4. Type your user account name into the “Enter the object name to select” box and then click “Check Names.”
5. When the name is validated, click “OK.”
6. Click “OK” twice more to exit out of the properties windows.